November 20, 2014 Minutes

ADVANCE COPY, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #51
PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Mike Wolfe, Chair
Bea Douglas, Vice Chair
Arthur Morse
Gary Mullen
Ray Ramsey

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent of Schools
Tobi Gray Chassie, District Administrator
Derek Hamilton, Dean of Operations
Danielle Harvey, Dean of Instruction
Donna Lehmann, Director of Student Services
Kathy Lemay, Director of Interventions & Title I Manager
Ross Morse, Community Liaison
Sarah Rollins, Director of College and Career Readiness
Member of the faculty
Members of the public

Mr. Wolfe called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following item was added to the agenda:

• Drake Field (Mr. Hamilton)
• Student Ambassador Program (Ms. Chassie)
• Snow Removal Contract (Dr. Freeman)

Mr. Morse congratulated Mr. Hamilton on being awarded the honor of “Coach of the Year” by the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletics Association.

III. APPROVAL OF AMENDED AGENDA

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Douglas, the Board unanimously approved the agenda as amended.

IV. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

On a motion made by Mr. Ramsey and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the November 9, 2014, meeting.

V. PUBLIC INPUT

Ross Morse acknowledged Mr. Hamilton’s recognition as “Coach of the Year” by the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletics Association.

Mr. Morse asked the Board for consideration of having the money awarded as a consolation for the O’Toole Award be earmarked for the work being done to create summer academies.

Mr. Morse spoke in regards to the decision made to waive eligibility for students on the soccer team. He suggested that the current policy is influenced by the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletics Association and not in consideration of competency based education. He proposed that the district look deeper into the eligibility policy with an eye on the impact felt by competency based education.

Dr. Freeman stated that a public hearing is being scheduled to consider the utilization of the money received for the O’Toole award.

Rick Anthony stated that although he acknowledges Mr. Morse’s point regarding the eligibility waiver granted by the Board, he disagrees. He stated he has been involved in the eligibility policy for many years and through many iterations. Mr. Anthony explained that the current eligibility policy is based on a concern about students being held accountable for incomplete and late assignments. He continued to explain his opinion about the decision and the negative impact it may have had on students, including the two students who received a waiver.

Lisa English, president of the PES Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), asked the Board for the opportunity to talk to the deans and the School Board about the district accepting responsibility for field trips, which have been funded for several years by the PTO. $3,600 was paid out last year for field trips, when the PTO collected only $4,500 in fund raising activities.

Mr. Wolfe stated that the School Board is willing to talk about this issue as a part of the school budget process, although it may take another year for the suggested changes to be made because the budget process for 2015-2016 is well under way.

Susan Bradley, co-project manager of the District Level Systems Change grant, described the excitement of having the first meeting of the Student Ambassador Team. She shared some anecdotes from the meeting, which provided evidence that PMHS students are learning valuable work-study skills.

Ms. English thanked the Board for recognizing the need for an additional teacher in grade two. She asked that parents are included in a discussion about how the additional teacher will be utilized.

VI. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

On behalf of the student representative, Mr. Hamilton explained that a proposal to Site Council regarding late start Wednesday for middle school has been tabled until more data is gathered. The Justice Committee shared revisions to its Constitution and received feedback from Site Council. A visit from Burlington-Winooski and a group of people from the Investing in Innovation (i3) grant will be visiting on December 3, 2014, for the purpose of learning about the Site Council.

VII. SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

A. PITTSFIELD LISTENS REPORT

Representatives from a Pittsfield Listens sub-committee, called the Community Action Committee, introduced themselves. They distributed a summary report, compiled by Pittsfield Listens regarding communication in Pittsfield.

Paulette Wolfe stated Next Door is an on-line forum for community members to use to stay informed of events, issues, and news.

Lisa English thanked the School Board for the district website. She asked about the publishing of minutes of the School Board meetings. Mr. Wolfe explained that after minutes are approved by the Board, they are posted within a day or two. In the meantime, draft minutes can be received from the SAU office.

Ms. Wolfe suggested having an automatic email response if school personnel are away and cannot respond to an email in a timely manner.

Tara Ash explained that Pittsfield Listens proposes the building of two community bulletin boards at no initial expense to the school district; the district would be expected to maintain the bulletin boards.

Ms. English recommended the district provide a student / family directory, which will help students and families develop links otherwise not possible.

VIII. DEAN OF INSTRUCTION

A. GRADE TWO TEACHER

Ms. Harvey explained that the recruitment and hiring process for the additional second grade teacher has commenced.

B. COMMUNITY CONCERN FORMS

Ms. Harvey explained that a community concern form is available to report a behavior which may violate the adopted norms of behavior at PMHS.

IX. DEAN OF OPERATIONS

A. DRAKE FIELD UPDATE

Mr. Hamilton explained that there was a meeting of the Drake Field Advisory Committee on November 3, 2014, with a representative from UltiPlay Parks and Playgrounds. An estimate of $50,000 for the installation of new playground equipment was provided. Mr. Hamilton stated that the company is having a sale, so that if the purchase is finalized before December 12, 2014, a savings of $15,000 will be realized. The committee has also reached out to Landscape Structure for a second quote. A recommendation will be ready for the School Board on December 4, 2014.

X. DIRECTOR OF INTERVENTIONS AND TITLE I MANAGER

A. MULTI-TIERED SYSTEM OF SUPPORT

Ms. LeMay explained that she and Ms. Chassie are visiting the PMHS common planning time teams to gather information about the way in which they are meeting the needs of struggling students. The goal of the work is to better align and systematize the supports that re needed for our students.

B. TITLE I ANNUAL MEETING

The Title I Annual Meeting is an opportunity for families of student receiving Title I services to meet with the Title I staff. This opportunity is being provided on November 20 and 21, 2014.

C. TITLE I DATA DAYS

The Title I team has added “data days” to their monthly schedule. During this time, the Title I staff reviews the data that has been collected on students receiving services. This provides the Title I team the opportunity to be more responsive to the needs of the students.

D. READING SPECIALIST CERTIFICATION

Ms. LeMay reported that she and Teacher Katie Howe will be working with Christine Teague, former Title I manager, to gain their certification as a reading specialist.

XI. DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR

A. POSITION ANALYSIS

Ms. Chassie stated that she would provide the Board with a copy of the position analysis for our lead community partner at the next meeting.

B. NELLIE MAE EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Ms. Chassie informed the Board of the task force meeting, held on November 4 and 5, 2014, as well as the cross site learning institute, held on November 6 and 7, 2014. She shared that the presentations provided by Rick Anthony and Chris Davitt on learning studios, Derek Hamilton on student governance, Christie Dunlavey and Josh Shawver on inquiry based learning, and Jenny Wellington on restorative justice were considered by organizers to exceptionally well done.

C. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TEAM

Ms. Chassie explained that she was accompanied by Mr. Hamilton and the two school nurses in conducting a meeting with the bus drivers to discuss chronic health issues and behavior management. Further training will be provided by the nurses on the health issues experienced by students riding the bus. This meeting is planned to be an annual event, held in early September of each school year.

D. PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND EVALUATION TEAM

Ms. Chassie explained that unlike last year, there may be changes coming to the Board in the spring in the professional growth and evaluation plan. She will keep the Board apprised of potential changes so that the vote in the spring will be informed by the work completed throughout the year.

XII. SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOL (Continued)

A. POLICIES

On a motion made by Mr. Ramsey and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted to unanimously approve the new or amended policies as proposed: Policy IIB, Class Size; Policy IK, Earning of Credit; Policy IKAD, Changing Student Grades; Policy IKE, Promotion and Retention of Students; Policy IKF, Graduation Requirements; Policy INFA, Early Graduation; Policy IKJ, Supplemental Materials Selection; and Policy JK, Use of Restraints. Two policies were rescinded: Policy IKAD-R, Changing Student Grades and Policy IKB-B, Administrative Guidelines for Implementation of Homework Policy.

Policy IKB was reviewed but not altered.

B. PROPOSED FY16 BUDGET

Dr. Freeman requested the Board make a decision to finalize the budget. He noted that the current year budget will result in a $2.00 decrease on the tax rate, which was set earlier in the fall.

Questions were answered regarding special education transportation and stipends. Discussion ensued regarding the issue of a raise for employees not in the collective bargaining agreement with the Education Association of Pittsfield, with a suggestion made by Mr. Morse to bring that forward to the town in a warrant article.

Further discussion ensued regarding the budget and subsequent tax impact to the residents of Pittsfield. Dr. Freeman was directed to reduce the proposed budget by $100,000 with the understanding that there will be a $100,000 pre-buy of needed materials with funds not spent in the current budget. He was also directed to use the New Hampshire Department of Education’s estimated sum for the adequacy grant.

The proposed budget will be adjusted and brought to the Board for consideration at the following meeting.

C. DISTRICT MISINFORMATION POSTED ON THE INTERNET

Dr. Freeman reported that he has been made aware of misinformation posted anonymously on the website Stop Common Core in NH, as well as a copy of a parent letter addressed to Senator Shaheen. He provided the Board with notations identifying blatant inaccuracies, unsubstantiated claims, and misleading innuendoes. The Board felt the letter did not warrant a response.

D. REQUEST FOR RELEASE FROM CONTRACT

On a motion made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Ms. Mullen, the Board voted to allow PMHS Teacher Tracey Banga to be released from her contract with Ms. Douglas, Mr. Mullen, Mr. Ramsey, and Mr. Wolfe voting in the affirmative and Mr. Morse voting against the motion.

E. SNOW REMOVAL

On a motion made by Mr. Ramsey and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to approve the bid for snow removal.

XIII. PUBLIC SESSION – 2nd Session

Mary Cote asked Mr. Hamilton to elaborate on the options available to parents regarding their children’s participation in activities during late start Wednesday, while teachers are participating in professional learning opportunities. She asked if a parent could submit a proposal to the Site Council, which he answered in the affirmative. Ms. Cote asked if there was a projected date for changes that may occur in the late start Wednesday plan. Mr. Hamilton stated that more work is required before making any further changes. He invited anyone from the public to participate in Site Council meetings.

Ammy Ramsey suggested the district review bus routes as a potential way of
saving money in the proposed budget. Dr. Freeman explained that the Marston
Bus Company sets the routes. The contract is set for five years, during which time changes cannot be made.

Ms. Ramsey stated a concern about cutting issues that may have occurred at the elementary school. Dr. Freeman stated that the administration is aware of the situation and has been and will continue to handle it.

Mr. Morse asked Mr. Ramsey for clarification regarding his role as a member of the Budget Committee.

XIV. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 4, 2014, at 5:30 p.m. at the Pittsfield Middle High School.

XV. NON-PUBLIC SESSION

At 7:34 p.m. a motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Douglas to enter into non-public session to discuss an employee compensation issue pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II (a). The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Douglas, yes; Mr. Morse, yes; Mr. Mullen, yes; Mr. Ramsey, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes) to enter into a non-public session.

At 7:37 p.m. the Board exited its non-public session.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Mr. Douglas, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:38 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary